The Consequences of Understanding

Only when the manas corresponds with dharmas and is touched do bodily and mental reactions arise. When the manas comes to know principles it previously did not know, and understands principles it previously misunderstood, bodily and mental reactions will appear, expressing one's emotions and state of mind. These states can occur even before attaining the fruits of realization; after attaining the fruits, seeing the mind, and enlightenment, the bodily and mental reactions become even more evident—this is the benefit and enjoyment of the merit of actual realization. If these phenomena do not appear, it shows that the manas has not been touched; whether regarding the teachings of the Great Vehicle or the Small Vehicle, it is all merely intellectual understanding, without any benefit or enjoyment of merit. How such intellectual understanding turns out will become clear at the time of death.

Therefore, everyone should take responsibility for their own great matter of birth and death, and should not casually place lofty hats on themselves, claiming realization when realization has not been attained. If one does not possess the mental conduct and wisdom of a sage or worthy one, what does merely understanding some Buddhist teachings amount to? Many people, having understood a bit of the Buddha-dharma, regard themselves as sages and worthy ones, when in fact they lack the benefit and enjoyment of merit that comes from actual realization. When virtue does not match one's position, problems will arise sooner or later, especially at the time of death.